THE MOST we’d usually expect from a hotel is a good night’s sleep – however, at some UK spots, you’re in store for far more.
From Harry Potter to wine, there are numerous themed spots around the country for an overnight stay that you will always remember.
Because, while many hotels are intended primarily as places to rest, there’s no reason they can’t also be the destination in and of themselves.
For a check-in with a difference, book into these stays where it’s all in the detail…
Harry Potter: Georgian House Hotel, London
Fancy stepping inside a truly magical world? Potterheads will feel right at home in London‘s Georgian House Hotel.
It is suitably hidden away in a charming 19th-century Pimlico townhouse that is Grade II listed, where no two rooms are alike.
Each unique space features details such as stained glass windows, stone walls, archways, tapestries, trunks, wood-burning stoves and cauldrons.
In the suites, the mysteriousness and gothic decor is added to with four-poster beds hung with velvet curtains.
However, it’s not just the dreamy sleep that awaits, but other Harry Potter-themed experiences too.
The hotel hosts a wizarding afternoon tea, held in a ‘Wizard Chamber’, through a portrait-lined and candlelit passageway on the lower ground floor.
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You will enjoy a ‘spellbindingly delicious’ three courses of sweet and savoury delights, secret desserts and some ‘fantastical’ treats to take with you.
Accompanying the ‘bewitching’ experience is a ‘wizard potion’ – or a colour-changing gin – for the ultimate ‘feast’.
They hotel also provides a separate ‘potion-making adventure’ in which you can mix and match to create your very own cocktails.
They recommend between 20 to 30 minutes for the experience – so you can be well on your way to enjoy the many other Harry Potter sites to see in the capital.
Wine: The Vineyard, Newbury
If you know your Sauvignon Blanc from your Pinot Grigio, then The Vineyard in Newbury, Berkshire is the place for you.
The five-star hotel and spa is an incredible wine destination, that will allow you to sip on some of the best bottles in fitting surroundings.
Around an hour from London, it is a stunning rural retreat to escape to.
The 2,000-bottle wine cellar is called upon to complement the world-class cuisine served at the on-site restaurant.
Staff are trained to know the perfect pairings to accompany the locally sourced and seasonal dishes.
If you’re feeling like treating yourself, then there’s a £115 tasting menu with an £85 wine pairing of varieties to go with each of the seven courses.
However, it’s not all about the wine – there’s an impressive spa in which to unwind too.
Rejuvenating treatments on the menu include the ‘Sicilian Scrub’ and ‘Muscle Melt Back Treatment’.
After all that drinking and relaxing, you can be certain that you’ll be able to rest up well at night too.
Many of the bedrooms feature stunning views and comfy furnishings that will allow you to truly soak up the atmosphere.
Music: Hotel Pelirocco, Brighton
For the ultimate romantic gift for the music-lover in your life, take them on an immersive getaway to the southcoast.
The Hotel Pelirocco in Brighton welcomes you in with bright pink hallways featuring Britpop album covers.
However the USP is the 19 individually themed rock n’ roll bedrooms to choose from.
They are spread out across two historic Regency townhouses that are situated on the city’s seafront.
The ‘Soul Supreme’ room is Motown inspired, with old vinyl and a record deck.
There’s also the ‘Pressure Sounds’ room – a dub and reggae-themed enclave with Lee “Scratch” Perry wallpaper and Caribbean accents.
In the room ‘Rebel Rebel’, the hotel pays homage to David Bowie with a double spa bath and dressing up rail.
Since opening its doors in 2000, the hotel has played host to a range of events.
As well as a romantic getaway – maybe for an anniversary or birthday – you can also book in for hen parties and wedding receptions.
While you could spend all your stay enjoying the decor, the hotel is minutes from both the i360 observation tower and the Lanes shopping area.
Films: Arthouse Hotel, Liverpool
Check into Liverpool‘s city centre for a stay that will quite literally make you feel like you’re in a movie.
The Arthouse Hotel features clever designs across its 29 individually themed rooms that are intended for groups and sleep four or six people each.
However, forget modern movies, these are inspired by the best Hollywood classics.
They include the Stage Fright room, based off the Hitchcock Film, that comes with a plush double bed and whirlpool bath.
There’s also the My Fair Lady room with elegant decor that reflects the film starring Audrey Hepburn.
Additionally, the Sound Of Music room, inspired by the musical starring Julie Andrews, comes with a large screen TV and a kitchenette.
Given the potential for groups to stay together in one suite, the hotel is the perfect base for a fun getaway.
It helps that it is located a short walk to many of the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Albert Docks, Liver Building and the Tate Liverpool.
Additionally, the bars and clubs are also very close by, so you can make the most of the vibrant nightlife.
The adventure can even continue for film fans – with Harry Potter’s Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, The Batman and Captain America using the local striking architecture to shoot.
Chocolate: The Chocolate Box Hotel, Bournemouth
You’re in for a sweet time at this chocolate-obsessed hotel on the southcoast.
The Chocolate Box Hotel, that’s a five minute-walk to both Bournemouth‘s city centre and beach, has taken an authentic approach.
Indeed, the bedrooms have been decorated using hues that are reminiscent of a box of chocolates – including browns and purples.
If it’s a special occasion, like a birthday or anniversary, then there are several delicious in-room packages to choose from.
These include the ‘Romantic Night In Package’, featuring a bottle of cava and six chocolate-covered strawberries for £39 each.
Then there’s ‘The Box Romantic Package’, offering a bottle of cava, a bunch of flowers, petals on the bed and a chocolate fountain for £110 each.
However, while the focus may be on chocolate, the hotel ensures it doesn’t scrimp in other areas.
This includes flat screen TVs and all the other tech to be expected in a boutique B&B.
Where possible, king and super king-sized beds have been installed with memory foam toppers.
The location also makes it an excellent base for visiting the best of Dorset, including the coastline and seafood restaurants.
Spooky: The Witchery by the Castle, Edinburgh
Keen for an overnight stay that may or may not leave you haunted? This hotel in the centre of the Scottish capital is the real deal.
The Witchery by the Castle is housed in a collection of historic buildings dating back to 1595, at the gates of Edinburgh Castle on the Royal Mile.
Its name comes from the hundreds of women and men burned at the stake as ‘witches’ on adjacent Castlehill during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
It is thought that more witches were put to death at this location during the reign of King James VI than anywhere else in Scotland.
The hotel itself opened its doors five decades ago, and its decor will transport you back to a bygone era.
Despite its spooky credentials, the nine unique bedroom suites are focused on romance – with four-poster beds and roll-top baths intended for two.
Bedrooms come with suitably mysterious names, including The Vestry and The Library.
In the atmospheric dining rooms, an a la carte restaurant menu is served all day.
You can enjoy Glenfeshie Estate red deer or even some haggis, for an authentic taste of Scotland.
Keen to stretch your legs? You’re also close to the Palace of Holyroodhouse which has also seen its fair share of grisly history.
Trains: The Old Railway Station, Petworth
For those with a passion for trains, this hotel in the South Downs area of natural beauty couldn’t be more perfect.
The Old Railway Station hotel is located in the former Petworth Railway Station, built in 1892.
Guests can stay in the lovingly converted Pullman railway carriages or in the main Station House itself.
They have just ten rooms in total – eight in the former and two in the latter.
All rooms are en-suite, with TVs, tea and coffee-making facilities, and come with breakfast.
You can also dine on delicious food in the 1906 Pullman Carriage called Princess Ena.
They serve legendary afternoon tea in The Waiting Room, where you can tuck into unlimited tea and coffee along with a selection of sandwiches, savouries, scones and cakes.
Periodically, the West Sussex hotel holds special events – including a Murder Mystery Dinner.
While the decor is so comfy that you won’t want to leave, it is well-situated for other points of interest too.
This includes Goodwood for racing, Midhurst for polo at Cowdray Park and the numerous antique shops of Petworth.
Sherlock: Holmes Hotel, London
Since being created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in 1887, the fictional character of Sherlock Holmes has built quite the fanbase.
The Holmes Hotel is housed in restored Georgian buildings dating back to the 1790s.
Located in quaint Marylebone, it is inspired by Baker Street’s most famous fictional local.
Through the decor – including in the 118 guest rooms and luxurious loft suites – the detective’s personality can be spied.
There’s also a cosy lounge and calm library, as well as ten meeting spaces and a gym.
At the hotel, fittingly, it’s all in the detail – with a mix of antiques, curiosities and artefacts on display.
Bedrooms are also stocked with products from the prestigious brands Gilchrist & Soames and Molton Brown.
Just as Sherlock would, there’s plenty of opportunity to explore in this corner of London.
The nearby streets are filled with high-end fashion boutiques, cafés and restaurants.
There is also Selfridges, Regent’s Park and The Wallace Collection within an easy stroll.
Pirate: Legoland Windsor Resort, Berkshire
Have pirate-obsessed little ones to treat? the LEGOLAND Resort Hotel is the ultimate family sleepover destination.
It is located at the heart of LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, in Berkshire, which is one of the UK’s much-loved theme parks.
The fun begins at the dragon-guarded entrance, and there are interactive LEGO features throughout the hotel.
This includes fully-themed bedrooms – including the Premium Pirate Room and Premium Adventure Room.
Your kids can enjoy an in-room treasure hunt, where they can try to find clues for the combination to the safe.
The rooms also have a bucket of LEGO bricks in the room so they can build their own creations.
Additionally, there is a brightly coloured pirate-themed indoor swimming pool.
All stays include a free hot breakfast at the on-site Bricks Family Restaurant so you can all power up for the day ahead.
The best bit? Guests staying on an official LEGOLAND ‘short break’ get their theme park tickets included.
Additionally, you can get access to exclusive early ride times in the theme park from 9.30am.